Tennessee part of ‘Staying Alive on I-75′ initiative

Six states, including Tennessee, have joined to provide 1,786 miles of law enforcement blue lights along the length of Interstate 75 this weekend.

Law enforcement officers in Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Ohio and Michigan are participating in the three-day effort beginning Friday, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

Authorities call the joint effort “Staying Alive on I-75” in support of an initiative by the International Association of Chiefs of Police to reduce traffic fatalities by 15 percent.

Law enforcement officers especially will be on the alert for distracted driving, but also for aggressive driving, speeding, seat belt use and commercial vehicle safety, according to THP.

The Highway Patrol said troopers in the Knoxville and Chattanooga districts “will enforce a zero-tolerance policy for reckless traffic violations that contribute to crashes.” THP has its own enforcement program called “Drive to Zero Fatalities” that dovetails with the multistate program.

While state troopers have focused on crash indicators in the past, authorities said this is the first time the Highway Patrol has teamed up with five other states on an enforcement effort.

Authorities provide the following tips for travelers, whether embarking on a short or long trip: